// Filter icons // Map icons // Social Icons
PlacesExplorePlanningWHAT'S ONTRAILSINSPIRATIONHOT DEALS
Wishlist Visitor Info
Search
Back
All Places
The Coast
Fingal & ChinderahKingscliffCasuarinaCabarita BeachHastings PointPottsville
The Valley
MurwillumbahUkiBurringbarTyalgumCrystal Creek & ChillinghamCarool
The River
Tweed HeadsTumbulgum
Back
All things to do
Beaches
The Arts
Outdoor Activities
National Parks
Foodies
Wellness
Back
Plan your trip
Accommodation
Tours & Attractions
Getting here & around
Weddings
Families
Transport & Hire
Back
WHAT'S ON IN THE TWEED
Margaret Olley 100 Years Celebration
Markets Guide
Gig Guide
Back
Explore the Tweed Trails
Northern Rivers Rail Trail
Hinterland Drives
Uki Mountain Bike Park
Back
Back

The best ways to see whales in the tweed

21 June, 2022

whale watching season
Image by Ben Uttley Photography

Whale Watching Season

Whale watching season has begun with the gentle giants of the sea meandering along the Tweed Coast. Each year an expected 30,000 humpback whales make their migration north to warmer waters to mate and calve. From June to November, you will spot whales on their journey up and down the East coast of Australia. Late October to November is the best time of the whale watching season to see mothers and calves. Discover where to see and swim with the whales this season in this handy guide.  

Whale Watching Tours 

One of the best ways to see migrating humpback whales in action is on a whale-watching tour. Whales are known for their show-off nature, breaching, pectoral slapping, mugging and tail throwing for crowds all season long. There are several amazing whale watching tours offering you front-row seats to the action.  

Cooly Eco Adventures puts you right in the splash zone on a safari-style whale watching tour. This 2.5 hour intimate experience has you observing these beautiful creatures at eye level with captivating and informative commentary throughout. 

Coolangatta Whale Watch promises to ‘blow you away’ with a 3-hour whale watching tour aboard a spacious 65ft purpose-built catamaran. The experienced crew skippered by Captain Stephen know all the best spots for a truly exceptional whale watching cruise.  

Watersports Guru offer private whale watching tours for you and 9 of your closest friends and family. Perfect for the avid whale watcher, photographer or for an upcoming special occasion. Ask the friendly team about creating a personalised experience.  

Tweed Gold Coast Dive Charters invites guests to witness the gentle giants of the sea on their annual migration. This extraordinary encounter is offered in small groups.

Image by Ben Uttley Photography

Swim With Whales 

Swimming with whales is an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience available right here on The Tweed. Cooly Eco Adventure’s swim with whale tour is available July – September. A ‘soft in-water encounters’ approach is used to achieve a successful and sustainable whale swim. The highly experienced and professional crew possesses a wealth of knowledge providing you with a safe and informative encounter. Whilst all your in-water gear is provided, be sure to bring a spray jacket and layers as it can get chilly on the ride home.  

Tweed Gold Coast Dive Charters also offer private swim with whale encounters for you and your mates.

swim with whales experience in the tweed

Whale Watching Viewpoints 

From June – November migrating humpback whales can be spotted from any beach stretching along the Tweed’s 17km coastline. Whilst you might get lucky on a stroll along the beach, there are a few go-to spots for whale watching. Check out these popular vantage points among the locals.  

Right on the QLD/NSW border, Point Danger Lookout showcases expansive views of both Tweed Heads and Southern Gold Coast. Up here, you will find observation binoculars perfect for spotting passing whales. In the mornings grab a coffee and bite to eat from Barefoot Bowls and set up on the lush green grassed hill.  

Image by Jeffrey Kieffer
binoculars for whale watching ta point danger

Moving South, one of the most popular vantage points during whale watching season is Fingal Heads headland. Accessible via a short, shaded walk, the headland is a rock outcrop known as Giant’s Causeway, so named after the similar UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ireland. At the headland you’ll find Fingal Head Lighthouse and uninterrupted views out to Cook Island Nature Reserve. We recommend swinging by Cubby Bakehouse and picking up a sausage roll or hot donut for the walk.  

Climb the steps of Cabarita Beach’s infamous headland, Norries Headland, to expansive coastal views. With Cabarita Beach to the North and Casuarina to the South, the height of this vantage point makes for easy whale spotting.

Image by Jeffrey Kieffer
couple walking up norries headland

Hastings Point Lookout is a favoured spot for families looking to see these gentle giants this whale watching season. Less than 30 minutes South of Gold Coast Airport, Hastings Point is a safe, family-friendly beach town promising beautiful sunny days and clear blue water. We recommend grabbing fish and chips from Okky in neighbouring Pottsville, and setting up on the grassy knolls with your loved ones.  

Don’t let this year’s whale watching season pass you by, book your experience today.

Image by Max & Faye
girls picnicing at hastings point lookout

We wish to acknowledge the Ngandowal and Minyungbal speaking people of the Bundjalung Country, in particular the Goodjinburra, Tul-gi-gin and Moorung – Moobah clans, as being the traditional owners and custodians of the land and waters within the Tweed Shire boundaries. We also acknowledge and respect the Tweed Aboriginal community’s right to speak for its Country and to care for its traditional Country in accordance with its lores, customs and traditions.